equanimity imaging — photography

Jacques Raymond

I am a self-taught photographer. In the late 60's, I had my first experience in a wet lab with a BW film and got the bug. For years, I had only a Canon SLR with a FD 50 f1.4. It is only later that I acquired other prime lenses (28mm and 135mm).

In 1988 I moved to Calgary. Within hours, I drove to Banff and took few shots. I could not be more disappointed. They were so bland and lifeless. How did Ansel Adams managed to get such wonderful images and I could not? The short answer is the guy knew things I did not.

When I moved to digital, trying and experimenting became virtually free. Magazines and books provided inspiration and know how. This also when I caught the gear acquisition syndrome — GAS.

As my skills improved, I found that could make due with less. As a matter of fact, I am doing quite well with a digital version of my first Canon SLR.

Word of wisdom:

It is easy to believe that the new camera body or lens will make you a better photographer.

The Bag Story

In 2007, I went to Cuba. Not knowing what to expect, I packed all my photography gear, 2 camera bodies, 6 lenses, a tripod, a monopod, filters, etc. It almost became a disaster as they were sending my luggages to the wrong hotel. But this is only a part of it.

Everywhere I went, I was lugging the stuff, wasting time to figure what would be the best lens, camera body and filter combination. Ironically, it went on a whiles before I realized that less could mean more. Who said that every millimetres have to be covered?

Today, my bag looks more like that:

Sony A7 mkii

Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens

Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 Ultron SL II

Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 90mm f/3.5 SL-II

Metabones EF to FE adapter

Batteries

For street photography, the smaller, the better. The Voigtlander and the Zeiss lenses make the A7 mkii looks like a compact camera, much less intimidating that the DSLR.

More wisdom:

When I carry less, my head is not in the bag and I get more time shooting.

Gear List – most used

I own quite a bit. But most of the time I will only take what I can anticipate and make due with it.

Sony A7 mkii

Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens

Sony A6000

Canon EOS 7D mkii

Canon EOS 50D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

Voigtlander Color Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL-II with Metabones adapter

Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0 Ultron SL II

Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 90mm f/3.5 SL-II

Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

Tripods, monopods, cable release, level

Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash with 10 meters cable and stand

Digital Processing

Many photographers hate that part. One reason could be that it seems difficult or complicated. Since I simplified my workflow, it became quick and easy. Keep in mind that I never "enhance" my images to the point they look overdone.

* Keep in mind the software is good only if you know how to use it. It will never make you an expert and a bad image will become a bad process image.

Education

B.Comm., M.I.S.,Sherbrooke University

Web Design, Mount-Royal University

Fluency in English and French

Professional Skills

IT professional with several years solving business and technical issues; in the past I managed and facilitated sessions with various business groups to understand business operations and requirements, enhancing systems functionality and achieving cost savings.